Audio Source System Dynamic Priority Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In computer environments with multiple applications, audio interruptions can lead to undesirable performance and system instability due to prioritization of certain audio features over others, causing synchronization issues between audio data streams and hardware devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a detection module to switch between audio inputs, a selection module to selectively provide audio outputs, and an emulation module to provide hardware emulation information, ensuring stable operation by synchronizing digital audio data streams with hardware devices through hardware update or emulation information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a commercial audio computer application is given highest priority to prevent audio interruptions, then audio quality and performance of the commercial application is improved, but system stability and responsiveness to other applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio performanceVSAvoidsystem responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The audio driver dynamically changes the priority level of different audio data streams based on detected application needs. The system transitions from static priority assignment to dynamic priority adjustment, allowing the commercial audio application to receive highest priority when active while other applications can access audio hardware when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between audio performance and system responsiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the audio driver monitors application audio needs and adjusts data stream priorities accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to changing audio requirements in real-time, maintaining both audio performance and system adaptability by continuously adapting priority levels based on actual application states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If audio data streams from multiple applications are allowed to access audio hardware simultaneously, then system adaptability and responsiveness are improved, but synchronization issues and system instability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The audio driver segments audio data streams into separate priority levels, creating distinct channels for different applications. By dividing the audio output into prioritized segments, the system allows multiple applications to access audio hardware simultaneously while maintaining proper ordering and synchronization, thus enabling both system responsiveness and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The audio driver acts as an intermediary layer between multiple applications and the audio hardware. It mediates access requests by implementing priority-based arbitration, allowing the system to handle multiple audio streams simultaneously while preventing synchronization conflicts through controlled access management, thus maintaining both adaptability and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If audio priority levels are dynamically adjusted based on application needs, then audio performance and system adaptability are improved, but device complexity and control complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio management flexibilityVSAvoiddriver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio driver implements self-service mechanisms where applications automatically register their audio needs with the driver, and the driver autonomously manages priority assignment without requiring complex user intervention or external control systems. This self-organizing approach reduces control complexity while maintaining high adaptability in audio priority management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7966085B2Audio source system and method
Publication Date: 2011.06.21 TEMPO SEMICON
  • US7966085B2 patent drawing
  • US7966085B2 patent drawing
  • US7966085B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for providing an audio source to an audio hardware device is disclosed. The system includes a detection module to detect a first audio input and a selection module to selectively provide the first audio input at an audio output to an audio device after the first audio input has been detected. The system also includes an emulation module to provide hardware emulation information corresponding to feedback data of the audio device after the first audio input has been detected.